Lifestyle

Eight things to do around Canberra this weekend (22–24 February)

Glow in the Dark Mini Golf at the Power Karts Power Play event this Friday. Photo: supplied.

It’s showtime this weekend with the Royal Canberra Show happening all weekend at Exhibition Park. There will be animals, rides, big arena events, a sideshow alley and a focus on local entertainment in the Canberra On Show program. Catch free performances of Twelfth Night at a park near you this weekend as local theatre company Shakespeare by the Lakes performs its second season at various venues around town. The Chinese Lantern Festival is on Saturday night at Lennox Gardens, and also that night the Brumbies are playing the Chiefs, but get there early to watch the Brumbies Women play. And Power Kart Raceway is offering six hours of fun on Friday night with unlimited access to all their facilities for 200 people. If you are looking for something more soothing, check out the Australian Tenors who are performing on Saturday afternoon at the Canberra Theatre.

Where: Exhibition ParkWhen: Friday & Saturday 8:30 am–10 pm, Sunday 8:30 am–6:30 pm
This year’s Royal Canberra show will feature all the old favourites—over 6000 animals, art and craft demonstrations, show bags, fairy floss and Sideshow Alley. In the main arena watch freestyle motocross, motorbike stunt acts, harness racing, car soccer and much more. Both Friday and Saturday nights will finish with fireworks, Peppa Pig will entertain the kids on Saturday—check out the kid’s program here—and there will be sheep shearing and cow milking demonstrations, and agricultural competitions for the traditionalists. There will also be a wide selection of food and drink, and plenty of local entertainment with the Canberra On Show program. Tickets are $16 for adults, $10 for concession and $40 for a family (2 adults & 2 kids), book here.

Where: Various venuesWhen: Friday 6 pm, Saturday 12 pm & 6 pm, Sunday 4:30 pm
Shakespeare by the Lakes are performing Twelfth Night at a number of outdoor venues around Canberra this weekend. And all the performances are free! On Friday Lakespeare will be at Tuggeranong Town Park with the performance starting at 6 pm, then on Saturday they will move to Glebe Park in the city with two performances at 12 pm & 6 pm. The seasons finishes on Sunday with a performance at 4:30 pm on the Patrick White Lawns in front of the National Library. Register your interest here. All performances will be accompanied by food vans, drinks and live music.

Where: Beijing Garden, Flynn Drive, YarralumlaWhen: 6–8:30 pm
The Chinese Lantern Festival is on this Saturday evening in Lennox Gardens. There will be food & drink for sale, or pack your own picnic, plenty of colourful lanterns—bring your own or make or buy one at the event—and cultural performances.

Where: GIO StadiumWhen: From 5 pm
The Brumbies are playing the Chiefs from Hamilton, New Zealand this Saturday at GIO Stadium. The rugby starts at 5 pm with the Brumbies Women taking on the NSW Waratah Women, followed by the main game at 7:45 pm. Get your tickets here.

Where: Canberra TheatreWhen: 8 pm
Eighties pop royalty Bananarama are in town for one show this Saturday night and will be playing their hits Shy Boy, Cruel Summer, Robert De Niro’s Waiting, Love in the First Degree, I Want You Back and, of course, Venus. Comprising original members Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward, the band is currently working on its 11th studio album. Also performing will be Tiffany (I think we’re alone now) and German diva, Amber. Tickets from $89.90, book here.

Where: Canberra TheatreWhen: 2 pm
Spend a pleasant Saturday afternoon listening to the beautiful voices of the Australian Tenors—Lorenzo Rositano, Murray Mayday, David McKenzie, John Donohoe and Matthew Reardon. They are performing at the Canberra theatre and their repertoire includes arias from operas including the trademark tenor aria Nessun Dorma, traditional Neapolitan songs such as O Sole Mio and Funiculi Funicular, songs from musical theatre including Tonight, Bring Him Home and This Is The Moment, and beautiful duets including The Prayer and Time to Say Goodbye. The Australian Tenors also enjoy performing Australian songs such as Road to Gundagai, Waltzing Matilda, Australia My Country and I Am Australian. The Tenors will be backed by The Southern Cross Orchestra conducted by Dr Joseph Macri. Tickets are $79 for adults, $76 for concession & $74 for kids, book here.

Where: Fitters Workshop, KingstonWhen: 10 am–3 pm
The Three Sixty Fashion Market will be on this Sunday. Three Sixty is about ethical, sustainable and local fashion which is stylish, fun and great value. The items for sale are quality vintage, retro, handmade and pre-loved clothing and accessories.

We have two double passes to give away to How to Rule the World, the wild new comedy by Nakkiah Lui showing at @canberratheatre Theatre on 3 April. Here’s how to enter https://t.co/bFwlDdok96(6 hours ago)